BISHOP'S CORNER

I Am with You Always

Although the liturgical celebration of the Solemnity of the Ascension has been transferred to this coming Sunday in the Dioceses of New Jersey this year, I can’t help but reflect about its meaning today, Thursday, 40 days after Easter.  This great feast – whenever it’s placement of the Catholic Church …

Bishop reflects on Pope John Paul II: A century of witness to Christ

My fellow seminarians and I sat together shortly after noon on Monday, October 16, 1978, with our eyes fixed on the television set.  White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel signifying to the world that a new Pope had been elected by the College of Cardinals assembled …

Bishop O'Connell announces approval of 'in car' Masses, distribution of Eucharist

In a new statement issued May 15, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., announced his approval of a set of directives that give permission for outdoor “in car” Masses according to good pastoral judgement of parish pastors.

Bishop O’Connell’s homily for the Mass for health care and essential workers

From the cross, the Lord Jesus gave John the beloved disciple to his Mother Mary – “Woman, there is your son” – and his Mother Mary to John – “There is Your Mother.”

Giving thanks for the unconditional love of our mothers

I can still hear her voice, so sweet and gentle.  Her face is always in my mind’s eye as I remember her bright eyes and happy smile.

Churches may reopen for private prayer only, in compliance with public health guidelines, May 13

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has issued instructions for the reopening of churches in the Diocese of Trenton for private prayer only, following all public health guidelines, beginning May 13, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima or following, once pastors determine they can safely do so.

The ‘new now’ is not the ‘new normal’ for those who seek God’s grace

When all the restrictions concerning COVID-19 are lifted – and they will be – will I have to return to Mass? Will I have to go to Confession? Will I be able to receive the Eucharist?  

Current restrictions must remain, but we begin to plan for our return to church

National health experts and scientists continue to express grave concerns that the spread of COVID-19 is far from over. While they agree that mitigation and the other precautions that have been taken throughout the country seem effective, they are urging people not to lower their guard.

Bishop’s reflection for the reconsecration of the U.S. to Mary, Mother of the Church

As the Lord Jesus was dying on the Cross, he looked down and saw his Beloved Mother standing next to John, his Beloved Disciple. In his final moments, their eyes met, and Jesus spoke ...

Bishop O’Connell’s homily for the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker

The coronavirus pandemic that has gripped most of the world is a crisis on so many levels that very few parts of our society have been spared its impact.

Patient suffering and sacrifice are what the Lord asks of us

The temporary closure of churches to the faithful in the Diocese of Trenton and its effects on the public celebration of Mass and Sacraments in their usual ritual form were the most difficult and painful decisions I have ever made.

Bishop O’Connell on Divine Mercy Sunday: ‘Jesus, I Trust in You'

“Mercy is the love freely shown to us by God, who first reveals himself to us and makes his presence known and felt.”

Bishop O’Connell’s homily for the Easter Vigil

Jesus of Nazareth lived most of his life in obscurity without much notoriety or attention paid to him. The Gospels tell us about his birth in Bethlehem and, later, about his appearance in the temple at age twelve. 

'We will always be an Easter people,' Bishop says in podcast, video

In recorded podcast and video messages, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., extended an Easter greeting during which he offered words of assurance as faithful of the Diocese and beyond navigate the start of the Easter season during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Crucifix the most powerful reminder of love, Bishop says in Good Friday message

A crucifix or cross hangs somewhere in almost every Catholic home, in every Catholic school and institution.  The crucifix or cross is the central and most widely known symbol of Christianity and has been for over 2,000 years. 


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